Aquarium Galleries Only Pass Tickets

There was a 2hr wait just to get inside the aquarium. Don't go on a major holiday/vacation week!

Bought General Admit. tix online via Ticketmaster. Well worth it to avoid the Long Line waiting to get inside. Picked up at the Will Call window. Will Call allows you to bypass all others. The line to the Will Call window is shorter and if you are taking kids, this is a must. Myself, wife & 12, 10 and 4 year old. Don't bother with any of the Show Tickets, unless the older kids REALLY want to see it. There is plenty to look at in the General admission areas. Be sure to go to the lowest level to see the Penguins, Otters, and also the Dolphins (from the undersea view of the show going on above). we where there for about 2.5 hours and that was plenty. Saw lots of undersea life and other - great trip. Plan to Pay for parking, and try to go on an "Off Day" to ensure small crowds and a parking place. Note: the "Worlds Sea Aquarium" needs to do a better job of keeping all of the "interactive" displays working & functioning properly. Lots of broken buttons and in-active screens.

The ticket options are really confusing. The "Galleries only" pass is the least expensive option and will get you into the main galleries (not the dolphin show). We were with a 2 year old, and so only had enough time between the aquarium opening and nap time to get through the main galleries anyway. In the main galleries you will see fish of all kinds, starfish, seahorses, belugas, frogs, lizards, an igauna, turtles & tortoises. More than enough entertainment for a toddler. Unless there's something in the other areas you just have to see, then don't bother with the all-exhibit pass if you'll only spend half the day.

My son enjoyed each moment we spent at the aquarium. I believe his favorite part was the 4-D experience. He was quite enamored by the Beluga Whales also.

The Shedd came highly recommended. I was told it was the biggest aquarium in the US. We purchased the general exhibit tickets and upgraded when we got there and were told that the general tickets didn't include the beluga whales, sharks, and dolphins. There was noone checking to see who went where. We could have seen the whole place with the general admission tixs. The place is neat, but not worth the money. We have three kids and they liked the visit, but were much more excited about the trip we made to the zoo. We got there at the opening, but the line was 200 deep by the time we walked out. Overall, if you are doing the science and industry and/or the zoo (or if your own local zoo has dolphins) I would skip the Shedd. I have to admit we are a bit spoiled here in Indy with the zoo so this may have swayed my opinion. My advice if you go is to go early and get the gen admission tixs. If they happen to be checking you can alway upgrade later. We went through the entire place within 2 hours so have something else planned for the later part of your day.